District Attorney David M. Hoovler, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, county Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Town of Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko, as President of the Orange County Police Chief’s Association, and Mike McGinn, a former NYPD sergeant and President of the Jason Conklin Memorial Lodge #957 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), joined in condemning the recent assaults that have been taking place on New York City Police Officers.

“Police officers risk their lives and their safety every day to protect us,” said District Attorney Hoovler. “They not only deserve our respect and appreciation, but they are also often all that protects us from chaos and violence. The recent attacks on New York City police officers must be condemned in the strongest terms. Throwing water and other objects at police officers is not a prank. The breakdown in public order and safety that will inevitably occur if law enforcement officers are not respected will endanger not only the police, but all the public, particularly those who are least able to defend themselves.”

Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois stated, “What has been taking place in New York City with water being tossed on NYPD officers is blatant disrespect for law enforcement, completely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to preserve peace and help in keeping our communities safe from these relatively small groups of criminals who disrespect them."

Retired NYPD Sergeant Mike McGinn, the President of FOP Jason Conklin Lodge 95, stated, “The FOP strongly condemns the wanton disrespect, as well as the total disregard for the rule of law, that has been directed at NYPD officers in recent days. We call upon our elected officials, police executives and the members of the community to show their unwavering support for the police officers that perform a very dangerous and demanding job each day. Law enforcement is indeed the thin blue line that separates civility from anarchy and we cannot expect our cops to

hold that line if we as society do not support their efforts.”

Dominick L Blasko, Chief of Police Town of Crawford Police Department, and President of the Police Chief’s Association of Orange County stated that, “Like many, the Police Chiefs' Association of Orange County are troubled by the recent incidents in New York City. We support the NYPD and condemn the disrespectful actions of the suspects. If this type of behavior does not have consequences, it will continue to escalate and who knows what the next item that will be thrown at our first responders. The sad part is that these types of incidents are becoming the new norm and making a difficult job harder. While many of our local communities are supportive of the job we do, we understand that we must continue to balance proactive policing with our community policing efforts. To continue our success, we need a positive collaborative effort to keep our communities safe and hold offenders accountable.”

“The recent actions targeting police officers are indicative of a wider challenge that law enforcement is facing,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “As County Executive, I condemn in the strongest terms possible these aggressive and disrespectful assaults on law enforcement. Now, more than ever, we must be supportive of members of law enforcement and strengthen our community bonds. We all should respect their commitment, dedication and bravery.”